By:
Ernesto Aguilar
Album Type: EP
Date
released:
20/06/2017
Label: Independent
“Cracks and Lines” CD//DD track listing:
1.
Final Heist
2.
Cracks and Lines
3.
Dirge
4.
Watchin' You
5.
What Lights This Ocean
The Review:
Many
metal fans were introduced to Fargo band Egypt through their 2013 release, “Become the Sun”. Tracks like "World Eater" were a crushing, and welcome, introduction to Egypt’s sound. That stoner/doom wall the group creates is
deceptively melodic. Egypt knows how to
construct songs that are undoubtedly heavy, but simultaneously catchy.
While
it’s true ‘catchy’ is surely not something you’d think of first, its commitment
is undeniable. Egypt’s influences, such as Deep Purple and Black Sabbath, enabled
able to create a mood and tone, but also to craft music that stuck with you. Egypt takes cues from those forefathers and seems devoted
to making music that is artful as it is pounding. Some might consider that
approach too traditional, though it is nevertheless pleasing. Toss
in rich storytelling in its songwriting and lyrics, and you get an uncommon and
surprisingly high bar.
As
with a lot of doom bands, Egypt is likely best
experienced live. However, the band has managed in the past to bottle up and
represent itself well on disc, wax and digital. Now, after several stops and
starts – the squad’s released just two EPs and two full-lengths in 10 years – Egypt is back at it with “Cracks and Lines”. The North Dakota
outfit’s new five-song affair is sure to please its loyalists and perhaps
beckon a few doubters of the subgenre.
This
EP gets a lot of heft from the guitar attack of Neal Stein,
who’s fronted other bands during his tenure. They remain true to Egypt’s core sound, while sprinkling in other influences on
occasion. The duo shine best on the title track, where the sonic typhoon rises,
falls and crests again, offering a tremendous listening experience.
Lots
of credit has to go to bassist and vocalist Aaron Esterby, who gives consistently
strong vocals, no matter if it’s the 10-minute-plus tracks you might associate
with stoner/doom metal or the shorter and perhaps accessible songs (to new
fans). He and drummer Chad Heille also deserve a lot of praise for their
peerless rhythm backdrops. That backbone has long been an Egypt
signature, and it stuns throughout “Cracks
and Lines”. The restraint that launches "What Lights the Ocean" opens up into a ferocious landscape for
Grahn and Stein to add their own power to the songwriting offered up.
In
spite of the short run of just under 40 minutes, “Cracks and Lines” has a few treats you’ll want to check out. "Dirge" brings a psychedelic vibe
to the festivities. It is the shortest cut on the EP, but stands out because it
is so divergent from the rest of the collection. The opening track, "Final Heist," is a fantastic way
to begin. Not only is the band’s brilliant chemistry on full display, the
lyrics are interesting and sure to bring you back.
One
has to assume touring and life in general are thwarting a full-length for Egypt. “Cracks and
Lines” is nevertheless a strong effort to satiate fans until that time
comes.
“Cracks and
Lines”
is available here
